Introduction: When Culture Meets the Mind

Culture shapes a lot more things than just our festivals and food. Culture deeply influences how we see ourselves, express our emotions and seek support. In India, traditions and family relations hold a different place in our lives. Therefore, mental health and cultural identity meet each other in complex ways.

To understand the different complex ways in which these two meet, is an important aspect of creating safe spaces. Safe spaces are those platforms where people can participate and they feel heard, they feel validated, and respected.

What is Cultural Identity?

Cultural identity includes the values, beliefs, language, customs and social norms we grow up with. It influences:

How we define strength and vulnerability.

How the society and people see and think about mental illness and therapy

Whether the people feel safe expressing their emotions

Who helps the clients in times of distress

In India, after all, things like family honor, religious traditions, and community perceptions are deeply rooted. Talking about mental health can feel like breaking unwritten rules.

The Challenge: Cultural Silence Around Mental Health

Many people in India carry and give out unspoken messages like:

"Don't talk about depression; it is a sign of weakness."

"What will people say if you go to therapy."

"Your problems aren't real- you have a good life."

In such times, someone seeking therapy or support for mental health brings in:

• Shame and guilt

• Delay in seeking help

• Suppression of emotions

• Identity conflicts

• Burdening yourself with responsibility

• Isolation

Let's see what happened to Priya who was going through something similar.

Priya, a 27- year old professional living in Delhi. She headed the HR department of a top IT firm. Her best initiatives in the firm were those providing mental health support. However, at home, Priya's anxiety is dismissed as "overthinking". She wants therapy but she is scared that her conservative family will call her "unstable."

Priya's story reflects the story of many youth's in India. A conflict between honoring the cultural roots and prioritizing mental health.

How Cultural Sensitivity Can Create Safe Spaces

Creating safe mental health spaces doesn't mean rejecting culture. It means:

Acknowledging Cultural Contexts

Therapists and allies should be sensitive to clients culture, values, beliefs, norms and roles.

Mind your Language

Minding your language means to use language that is culturally resonant. Let's say, saying "Manasik Aaram" (mental peace) may feel more approachable than "Therapy".

Normalize Seeking Help

Highlight examples of leaders of community leaders or spiritual figures who take a stand for wellbeing, inner peace and mental wellness.

Representation

Encourage the representation and inclusion of therapists from diverse cultural backgrounds who understand the emotions nuances of their community.

Creating Hybrid Healing Spaces

Combine indigenous and traditional practices like yoga, or meditation along with mental healthcare whenever suitable.

In a culturally rich society like India, mental health conversations must embrace diversity. By making space for mental wellness and cultural identity, we make healing more accessible and authentic for all.

At Aapli Psych, we believe that your mental health journey should never come at the cost of your cultural identity.

Join us for inclusive therapy, community workshops, and conversations that respect where you come from—and help you get where you want to go.

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